Sen. Donna Campbell

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows specific Texas municipalities to use tax revenue generated from hotel and convention center projects for designated development purposes. It defines 16 categories of qualifying cities based on precise population thresholds and geographic criteria (e.g., cities bordering Lake Palestine, containing certain landmarks like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, or located in specific county configurations). Municipalities meeting these criteria can direct the tax funds toward approved projects without requiring additional legislative authorization. The change modifies existing tax code rules to expand revenue flexibility for these designated cities. It does not apply to cities that do not meet the specified population or location requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2617) requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt policies mandating the use of "Anno Domini (AD)" and "Before Christ (BC)" when expressing dates during student instruction. It prohibits schools from purchasing or selecting curriculum materials that use alternative date formats (like "CE" or "BCE"). The policy applies to all instructional materials and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation. The law directly affects school districts, charter schools, and curriculum developers by standardizing date terminology in educational settings.

Maddy summarySB 1625 requires public water supply and wastewater systems in Texas to immediately report specific security incidents to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Department of Information Resources. It mandates reporting for events like unauthorized access attempts, ransomware attacks, terrorism threats, or system disruptions that could impact water safety. Key examples include cyber intrusions targeting operational systems, theft of critical equipment, or natural disasters causing service outages. This directly affects all public water and wastewater providers across the state, including small nonindustrial systems. The bill clarifies reporting obligations without specifying enforcement actions or penalties.

Maddy summarySB 27 modifies Texas education law to protect public school educators' rights and provide financial support. It requires salary reductions for unpaid leave to be calculated using annual salary divided by expected workdays (affecting teachers, counselors, and librarians), waives certification exam fees for first-time applicants in special education and bilingual programs, and prevents sanctions against educators who leave probationary contracts after the 45th day before school starts due to serious illness or spouse relocation. The bill directly impacts educators seeking certification and those on probationary contracts, while also directing the Texas Education Agency to cover exam fees for qualifying applicants. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers and provide clearer protections for educators during employment transitions.

Maddy summarySB 524 repeals three specific provisions from a previous law (S.B. 938, 2021) that would have exempted veteran-owned businesses from franchise tax and certain filing fees starting January 1, 2026. The bill cancels these planned exemptions, meaning veteran-owned businesses will not receive the tax relief originally scheduled under the repealed sections. This change takes effect September 1, 2025, before the previous exemptions were set to begin. The bill directly affects businesses owned by veterans in Texas that would have qualified for the repealed tax benefits.

Maddy summarySB 3066 clarifies the exact boundaries of the Driftwood Conservation District in Hays County, Texas, by updating its legal description to match existing property records. It validates past actions and proceedings of the district within these newly defined boundaries. The bill directly affects the Driftwood Conservation District and landowners within the clarified area by establishing clear jurisdiction for future management. This is a procedural boundary correction with no new policy changes or financial impacts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 547) recognizing the Ronald Reagan High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) drill team for winning national championships in May 2025. The resolution formally commends the team for earning first place in the Armed Category and third place in the Unarmed Category at the U.S. Army Cadet Command National JROTC Drill Championships, plus runner-up for National Overall Championship and first-place finishes in In-Ranks Inspection and Exhibition Drill at the All-Service Nationals. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies - it solely expresses the Texas Senate's recognition of the team's achievements. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 21, 2025, and a copy will be provided to the team.

Maddy summarySB 2117 establishes the Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review certain transactions involving foreign entities that affect Texas critical infrastructure, such as energy, water systems, or communications networks. It directly affects foreign entities (including non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, or businesses from countries without U.S. trade agreements) seeking to acquire or control assets in these sectors. The bill requires these entities to submit transactions for review by the committee, with a civil penalty for non-compliance. Key provisions include defining "critical infrastructure" across 16 categories and mandating the committee’s review process for covered transactions. The bill does not block transactions but creates a regulatory framework for oversight.